Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 2023

This week (23-29 January) is Cervical Cancer Prevention Week – a campaign week by UK charity Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust to raise awareness of cervical screening, encourage attendance and increase understanding about potential results.

Thousands of women in the UK know little or nothing about cervical cell changes prior to being diagnosed and around 220,000 women are diagnosed every year following cervical screening. Over a quarter (26%) said they felt ashamed when diagnosed, especially in younger age groups.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) causes cell changes and is a major cause of the main types of cervical cancer. Cervical screening can help prevent cervical cancer by identifying any infection and cells which have changed (become abnormal). The cells can be monitored or treated to stop cancer developing.

HPV is a common virus that is passed on through skin-to-skin contact. It infects the skin and any moist membrane (mucosa) such as the cervix, the lining of the mouth and throat, the vagina, vulva and anus.

Certain types of HPV can cause cervical cell changes that can develop into cervical cancer, especially types 16 and 18 which are responsible for 70% of cervical cancers and precancerous cervical lesions.

That’s why it’s important that people with a cervix take up regular cervical screening checks to pick up any cell changes early on and all women and trans men aged 25-64 are invited by letter to attend. If you’ve missed your appointment it’s important you arrange another screening as soon as possible.

 

 

Health officials have expressed concern over a drop in HPV vaccine coverage among secondary school pupils in England.

Analysis by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) found that vaccination coverage against the virus dropped by 7% in year 8 girls and 8.7% in year 8 boys in 2021/22 compared with the previous academic year.

All children aged 12 to 13 are offered the two-dose jab as part of the UK HPV Vaccination Programme, which was launched in 2008.

It has been shown to dramatically lower HPV infection rates and cervical cancer in vaccinated women. HPV vaccination also protects against genital warts and other cancers of the genital areas and anus, as well as some cancers of the head and neck.

Routine vaccination programmes were interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic as schools closed during successive lockdowns, and coverage is not back up to pre-pandemic levels.

Dr Vanessa Saliba, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “The HPV vaccine is available for girls and boys in year 8 and we encourage everyone eligible to take up this potentially life-saving vaccine when offered. In recent years we have seen vaccine coverage fall due to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Many young people who missed out on their vaccinations have already been caught up, but more needs to be done to ensure all those eligible are vaccinated.

“Children and young people who have missed out on their HPV vaccinations should contact their school nurse, school immunisation team or GP surgery to arrange a catch-up – they remain eligible until their 25th birthday.”

“Samantha Dixon, Chief Executive, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, said: We have the evidence that shows the HPV vaccine is stopping young women from developing cervical cancer, and that’s an incredible thing.

“Around nine women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every day in the UK and the vaccine is helping to change that. I’d urge anyone who is eligible to take up the offer.

“Whether you have been vaccinated or not, going for cervical screening remains important to help further reduce your risk of cervical cancer.”

Local GP, Dr Anita Sharma says you shouldn’t ignore any unusual vaginal bleeding during or after sex, bleeding in between your periods or unusual discharge – see your GP.

She added: “Please attend for smear test when you get an invite whether you have been vaccinated or not. This is important to help further reduce your risk of cervical cancer.”